Senior Forestry Officer (Forest Foods, Nutrition And Wildlife)
Organizational Context
The FAO Forestry Division (NFO) leads the organization's efforts in promoting sustainable forest management and addressing its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It focuses on the contributions of forestry to poverty reduction, food security, and nutrition, working with members, civil society, and the private sector. The division also collects and disseminates information on global forest resources and forest products, strengthening the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Job Purpose
This role provides global technical leadership for FAO's normative work on the contribution of forests, forest foods, and sustainably managed wild species to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. It advances evidence-based approaches for the sustainable use, conservation, and management of wild resources, particularly supporting vulnerable communities. The position strengthens linkages between forestry, biodiversity, One Health, and sustainable development, engaging in international policy processes through technical leadership, normative guidance, and support to member nations. Key results include leading and implementing divisional and cross-divisional programs aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Responsibilities
The Senior Forestry Officer will provide global technical leadership for FAO’s normative work on forest foods and wild species, focusing on their contributions to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience through sustainable wildlife management. This includes leading engagement in international policy processes, conventions, and technical forums related to sustainable wildlife management, biodiversity, food security, and nutrition. The role involves providing normative and technical support to countries and FAO's field programs, leading resource mobilization, partnership development, and project formulation for sustainable forest foods and wildlife management initiatives. It also requires promoting interdisciplinary approaches, strengthening collaboration across FAO units, fostering strategic partnerships, collecting and disseminating data, serving as Secretary of the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management (CPW), and leading the development of technical guidance and policy tools.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in forestry, sustainable wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, or forest-based food systems is required. Experience in developing countries and/or countries in transition is essential. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is also necessary.
Skills
Key skills include demonstrated results-based management capabilities, ability to manage programs, budgets, and human resources efficiently. Expertise in integrating sustainable wildlife management and forest-based food systems into policy frameworks (biodiversity, climate, One Health, food security) is crucial. The role requires the ability to provide technical leadership, policy advice, and normative guidance on sustainable wildlife management, including legal aspects, sustainable use and trade of wildlife, and human-wildlife coexistence. Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder partnerships and mobilizing resources is essential. Experience in organizing international meetings, seminars, and training courses is also required.